$33,500 ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION GRANT HELPS COLDWATER LEGION

COLDWATER, ON (February 17, 2022) – On Thursday, local MPP Jill Dunlop and Heather Breckles, a member of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) had the opportunity to take part in an online meeting with representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 270 Coldwater. Legion members spoke about the impact that a $33,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant awarded by OTF in 2021 will have in years to come. The Resilient Communities Fund grant program was developed to help non-profit organizations to rebuild and recover from impacts of COVID-19.

"Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Royal Canadian Legion in my hometown of Coldwater, has been able to upgrade the heating and cooling system to ensure a safe, comfortable gathering space for veterans, ex-service members, and their families," said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. "The upgrade enabled through this grant will ensure Branch 270 can continue to rebuild and recover from impacts of COVID-19 and continue to deliver their programs to the community successfully."

The grant was used to replace and upgrade the building’s obsolete heating and cooling system for the Legion’s second floor spaces. The project, completed in the fall of 2021, will give area residents a more comfortable environment in which to hold meetings and activities for many years to come.

The Legion facilities are used by a variety of community organizations for meetings, celebrations and fundraisers. And thanks to the $33,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, people of all ages and abilities will be able to take part in activities in a much more comfortable environment.

"This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant could not have come at a better time,” said Normand Marion, President of the Coldwater Branch. “After so many months of closure, restrictions, and little or no revenue, the improvements made possible by this grant will make a huge difference once we resume our regular programs and activities. We will be able to serve our community better.”

Branch 270 Coldwater is committed to the aims of the Royal Canadian Legion, which are to promote Remembrance, support Veterans and their families, and support the local community. If you wish to enquire about using the Coldwater Legion building space for your meeting or hosting an event, please contact the branch at branch270@rogers.com

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Photo caption: One of two units of the new HVAC system is being lowered on the roof of the Coldwater Legion building during the installation last fall.